Mary L. Sorenson, daughter of Henry and Rose (Kejr) Steinle, was born on November 25, 1909, in Barton County, Kansas. She went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 30, 2007.

Mary attended school at Dorrance, Kansas and was valedictorian of her graduating class. After graduation she received her teaching certificate and spent one year teaching country school. She then joined her sister Hanna Mae in conducting tent meeting and evangelist services in several states. While conducting a revival service in Gray, Iowa, Mary met Arthur Sorenson who was pastoring in Gray.

Mary and Art were married on May 4, 1931 at the People's Baptist Church in Perry, Iowa. They were married for almost 60 years. Those years were spent together in ministry, serving God and loving each other. They pastored churches in Scranton, KS, Correctionville, IA, Oskaloosa, IA, and Washington, IN. In the spring of 1944 they moved to Shenandoah, where for 28 years, she faithfully shared the responsibilities of the church with her husband. Mary took an active part in the young peoples services, taught Sunday School, and served as assistant Sunday School Secretary. She supervised as well as taught Vacation Bible School and Thursday Bible School and directed and coordinated all the special church programs and presentations. She had a wonderful visitation ministry through which she touched many lives through her love of Jesus, as she visited the sick and shut-ins and in the hospital and in their homes. Her ministries extended into her kitchen where she baked pies for every Baby and Wedding Shower. Every week on Church Visitation Evening she made lots of chili for all those who came as part of the visitation ministry. When she saw a ministry need she always took time to fulfill that need.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Arthur; three brothers, Sam, Dave and Henry Steinle; three sisters, Mae Johnson, Frieda Palmer and Bertha Easter; and her son, Arthur Verdel. Survivors include her two daughters, Marcia Campbell of Shenandoah, IA, and Sandra Freeman and husband Stanley of Tarkio, MO, and a daughter-in-law Patti Sorenson of LaMesa, CA. Also surviving is a sister Lydia and husband Hugh Baker of Washington, IN; six grandchildren, Randy Sorenson of LaMesa CA, LoLynn Sorenson of New York City, NY, Tammie Jackson of Little Rock, AR, Steve Gilbert of Omaha, NE, Cindy Carroll of Weston, NE, Randy Freeman of Tarkio, MO and Wess Gilbert of Shenandoah, IA; twenty-five great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. As Mary's surviving family we thank God for blessing us with a Proverb 31 women and we do "Rise Up and Call Her Blessed".

Celebration of life funeral services were held on Monday, April 2, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Joe Jackson, Jr. Musical selections were "I Bow On Knees And Cried Holy" and "Holy Is Thy Name". Special music performed by Janet Gilbert was "Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God". Attending the memory register was Ray Stoddard. Casket bearers were Randy Freeman, Stanley Freeman, Wess Gilbert, Steve Gilbert, Randy Messenger and Brock Waldo. Honorary casket bearers were Mark Carroll, Randy Sorenson, Ron Green and Leland Loghry. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials are being directed to Elm Heights Care Center in Mary's name. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.